The School of Religion and Philosophy in St. Petersburg - your Partner in Learning Russian Language

The School considers an opportunity for students and mature scholars of various countries to communicate a necessary component of the contemporary educational process. The opportunity for such communication is determined primarily by the knowledge of languages. The students of the School study foreign languages intensively and have an opportunity to visit educational institutions in other countries. It is commonly known that the best effect in mastering a foreign language is achieved through a stay in the country concerned. The School of Religion and Philosophy offers courses in Russian language to foreigners coming to St Petersburg for a period of 3 to 6 months. Teaching Russian as a foreign language and helping in the comprehension of Russian spiritual culture are among the School's goals. Every newcomer can count on an individually designed language course and maximum attention from the teaching staff. The School offers teaching both for beginners and those wishing to broaden and master his/her knowledge. The intensive language course allows students to obtain and develop in a fairly short period an ability to read and write in Russian, as well as to begin speaking and understand colloquial speech. Taking into consideration the limited period of training, the main emphasis is the development of the student's ability to communicate in the language. The Russian language course includes not only the instruction, but also a cultural program. Every student will have an opportunity to be acquainted with the sights and churches of St. Petersburg and its environs, and to meet students and professors from the School, and be involved in intellectual exchange.

The School of Religion and Philosophy offers:

1. An Intensive Course for Beginners

(3 months, 200-240 lessons of 45 min)

This course is primarily designed for the practical acquisition of Russian language and includes the study of basic grammar. Finishing the course, the students will be able to read and understand simple texts, and speak in everyday situations. Also, the students will be able to fill out a standard form in Russian, and to write a brief letter to Russian friends.

2. An Intensive Course for Students Having an Elementary Knowledge of Russian Language

(3 months, 200-240 lessons of 45 min)

The aim of this course is to give the students a practical command of the language. This course will correct and deepen their knowledge of Russian grammar, and will provide an opportunity to enrich the student's vocabulary. After this course, students will be able to read and to understand simple texts from the mass media. They will be able to understand colloquial speech, to talk and to correspond with native speakers.

3. Special Courses

(3 to 6 months, 80-200 lessons of 45 min)

We offer these courses for young people who study humanities and have a practical command of Russian language.

These courses are designed for a deeper study of the language. The aim of this study is to master the language for professional communication. The main goals are to increase the students' vocabulary, taking into account their professional interests, to perfect their listen comprehension, and to develop fluency. These courses will allow the students to listen to the lectures of the School.

We offer a solid foundation of Russian grammar and syntax, which allows the students to carry out research and to write papers in Russian. At your request, the course can include an overview of the history of the Russian language and Church Slavonic.

Board and lodging:

The School provides accommodation with Russian families and two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) together with language courses.